U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs CWV - News Update

“When I first got back home from Afghanistan, my dad was like, ‘Hey, if you ever want to talk, we’re here for you,’” retired Marine Joe Merritt says in “We Are Not Done Yet,” a new HBO documentary produced by actor Jeffrey Wright (“Westworld,” “Casino Royale,” “Boardwalk Empire”) and directed by Sareen Hairabedian.  “But it never made sense to be like, ‘Hey dad, I watched people burn to death.  Also, can you pass the mashed potatoes?’ Like, how do I start this conversation?” [From Military Times]

At a solemn Veteran's Day ceremony Monday at the University of Saint Joseph, Leesa Philippon of West Hartford, Conn., talked about growing up in a military family, her own service in the Army, having her son join the Marines in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 attacks, and the awful day she learned her son had died in combat in Iraq.  She also talked about the larger family she has gained since losing her son, consisting of Marines who served with him, and her work to lend a hand to the returning Veterans who need help finding jobs, and getting the medical care and other services they need. [From Stars and Stripes]

For decades, kids have asked how to get to Sesame Street. And this week, at least, it seems the path goes through the E ring of the Pentagon. [From Air Force Times]

Dozens of former Army nurses from across the country gathered Sunday around the bronze sculpture dedicated to their service in the Vietnam War.  While encircling the Vietnam Women’s Memorial, some of the women flipped through old photos from Vietnam or began to cry while remembering servicemembers they treated there. [From Stars and Stripes]

World War I, “The Forgotten War,” has been overlooked by subsequent generations, especially mine, as the glamour of World War II has eclipsed it in so many of our films and works of art.  This year, however, thanks to social media (#Armistice100 is a “thing”) and the good work of Veterans’ groups around the world, young people have been able to learn about The Great War and its heroes.  But many of our heroines remain forgotten. [From Independent Women’s Forum]

This Veterans Day, how does Military City, U.S.A. honor and support women Veterans?  What more can be done to help women who served in the military transition back to civilian life?  U.S. Army Veterans Robin Harder and Laly Cholak speak on “The Source.” [From Texas Public Radio]

After Her Service is a national program that focuses on improving women’s mental health and professional success after they leave the military. [From Michigan Health]

The “I Am Not Invisible (IANI)” photography project aims to increase awareness about women Veterans.  They make up ten percent of the Veteran population and total roughly two million women Veterans. [From VAntage Point]

Since the Armistice Day on Nov. 11, 1919, Americans have paused to salute the service and remember the sacrifices of our men and women in uniform.  Though every Veterans Day is special, this year’s commemoration is particularly meaningful-marking the 100th anniversary of the 11th hour of the 11th day in the 11th month of 1918, the moment when the guns of the Great War fell silent across Europe. [From VAntage Point]

Hello, I’m Robert Wilkie, Secretary of VA, and I’d like to welcome you to the newly redesigned VA.gov.  I’ve said it many times and I’ll say it again:  my main priority as Secretary is simple — to give our customers the best possible experience the minute they encounter VA.  Today, we’re doing just that with the new VA.gov — the new online front door of your Department of Veterans Affairs. [From VAntage Point]

Homeless women Veterans in Georgia slowly, steadily rise in numbers.  “Women are invisible as Veterans,” said Amy Stevens, 65, founder of the support group Georgia Military Women and former director of psychological health for the Georgia National Guard. [From AJC.com]

A video is making major rounds online showing a newly-commissioned Marine second lieutenant receiving her first salute from her grandfather, and it’s delivering a swift punch to the feelings of viewers everywhere.  Every commissioning is accompanied by a memorable first salute, and for 2nd Lt. Charlotte Williams that special occasion was carried out by her grandfather, retired Marine Staff Sgt. James Williams. [From Marine Corps Times]

“I do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same.”  So begins the oath of enlistment and the oath of commissioning for American service members. [From VAntage Point]